Autoimmune Diseases and the Female Predominance
Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases, with 78% of patients being female. Despite being a common chronic illness—affecting 1 in 12 women—there is still a lack of clear answers regarding diagnosis, treatment, and causes.
Red Flags for Autoimmunity
A New Approach
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases often takes over four years and numerous medical professionals. Conventional medicine can sometimes dismiss symptoms as hypochondria, labelling 45% of autoimmune patients as "chronic complainers." Our approach focuses on understanding and addressing the underlying issues beyond mere disease identification.
Understanding Autoimmunity
Stage 1: Predictive Antibodies
Autoimmune processes are occurring, but no clinical symptoms are present yet.
Stage 2: Autoimmune Reactivity and Inflammation
Symptoms emerge, but tests often return normal results. Individuals may be dismissed as "chronic complainers" despite genuine issues.
Stage 3: Autoimmune Disease
Tissue damage occurs, marking the official diagnosis of autoimmune disease. By this stage, the autoimmune process is advanced and can be challenging to manage.
The Mystery of Autoimmunity
Despite over 100 autoimmune conditions and their prevalence as a common chronic illness, their exact causes remain largely unknown. This is frustrating for those diagnosed and those still seeking answers.
Known Contributing Factors
Understanding these unique triggers is essential for managing and potentially healing from autoimmunity.
Food & Autoimmunity
Autoimmune and allergic diseases are on the rise, including conditions like food allergies, type-1 diabetes, and eczema. Modern diet, with its food processing, additives, and pesticides, is a significant driver of this increase. Our immune systems struggle to adapt to these changes, leading to heightened immune reactions to food proteins. Understanding how our food and environment impact autoimmunity is crucial for finding effective solutions.
Chemicals & Autoimmunity
Chemicals can attach to our tissue proteins, making them appear as foreign invaders to the immune system. This triggers an autoimmune response where the body creates antibodies against its own tissues.
For example, BPA in plastics can bind to human proteins, potentially initiating autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. Studies show that 20% of healthy people show immune reactivity to chemicals, underscoring the impact of environmental toxins on autoimmune conditions.
Hormones & Autoimmunity
Autoimmune disorders predominantly affect women, with 78% of those diagnosed being female. Hormonal fluctuations during periods like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause impact immune function, potentially contributing to autoimmune disease.
Estrogens, progesterone, and cortisol can influence immune cell activity, making hormonal balance crucial for immune health. Autoimmunity, the third most common disease category in the U.S., is linked with genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Supporting hormonal balance can help maintain proper immune function and mitigate autoimmune issues.
Managing Autoimmunity Through Lifestyle
The good news: autoimmunity can often be managed with diet, lifestyle, and mindset changes. By focusing on eating well, supporting gut health, reducing environmental toxins, and managing stress, you can potentially remain in the early stages of autoimmunity without progressing to a diagnosed disease. Prioritize a holistic approach to keep symptoms at bay and support overall well-being.
Take Control of Your Health
Contact us today to learn more about managing autoimmunity and start your journey towards a healthier you.